THE FACTS 1. Muslims began arriving in Ireland in increased numbers in the early 1950s mainly as students and people in business. 2. Today the Muslim population is between 25,000 - 30,000.3. The Muslim community in Ireland is extremely diverse in terms of nationality and ethnicity. 4. Most of Ireland’s Muslims are Sunni with less than 2000 Shia. 5. Some Muslims in Ireland have been here for many years and are Irish citizens. Many have been born here and are 2nd and 3rd generation Irish Muslims.6. The first Muslim organisation in Ireland, the Dublin Islamic Society was formed in 1959 by a group of Muslim students, 7. In 1983, the Mosque in the South Circular Road was established. The first purpose built mosque was built in Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo in 19868. In September 1996 the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland at Clonskeagh, Dublin 14 was opened. Both the Centres at South Circular Road and at Clonskeagh are Sunni mosques9. In 1998 the Ahul Bait Islamic Cultural Centre in Dublin was opened, which is representative of the Shia Muslim community in Ireland 10. Islamic centres and Mosques are active in developing initiatives to break down barriers and encourage mutual understanding between Muslims and the Irish public11. September 2006 the Irish Council of Imams was established.Source: http://www.nccri.ie/pdf/ChallengingMyths-Muslims.pdf